As we reported on 20 April, the Australian Government is set to trial new industry arrangements that aim to reduce red tape and regulatory costs for importers and agricultural businesses.
As part of this initiative, the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (DAWE) is proposing to trial new arrangements to “test the ability to leverage importer management systems to address biosecurity risks across supply chains.â€
Today (13 May 2021) DAWE has issued an Industry Advice Notice no. 92-2021, inviting Expressions of interest (EOI) from interested importers. Submissions need to reach DAWE by the close of business on Friday 28 May 2021.
Up to three pilots are proposed under the trial, which will run in parallel to existing biosecurity requirements. These pilots will inform joint work with the Australian Border Force (ABF) towards an improved cargo intervention model as part of the Government’s Simplified Trade System reform agenda.
If successful, the trial will lead to more permanent arrangements that will save importers who already invest heavily in commercial quality assurance arrangements from costly delays in the movement of their goods. There will also be downstream benefits for farmers, processors, wholesalers, and exporters, as well as customs brokers, freight forwarders and shippers.
Selection Criteria
Importers must:
- be a single entity with a valid Australian Company Number (ACN) and/or Australian Business Number (ABN);
- be an importer of goods over $1000 per entry, that are subject to biosecurity intervention;
- have quality assurance management systems that can be used to track goods and mitigate biosecurity risks across their supply chain(s); and
- be able to dedicate resources to work with the department to co-design and deliver the pilots, which will run in parallel with existing requirements.
Three pilots are proposed, with the first expected to commence in July 2021, and the second and third pilots in August 2021.
Information on how to apply can be found online at www.awe.gov.au/industry-partners .
Colless Young offers you professional advice on all matters related to international shipping and clearance through Customs and quarantine. Based in Brisbane, we provide a complete range of logistics services, both air and sea cargo, through all Australian ports and airports. As licensed Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders, we handle imports, exports, trucking, warehousing and fumigation treatment.
